Updated: September 2026

South Africa will not introduce a blanket social media ban for children under 16, at least for now.

Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi confirmed that the government currently has no plans to introduce restrictions similar to those adopted in countries such as Australia.

His reasoning? There is currently no “irrefutable indication” that a general ban would actually stop under-16s from being active on social media.

But that raises an important question:

If children may find ways around the rules, does that mean we shouldn’t have rules at all?

At Funkyfing, we don’t think so.

Is South Africa banning social media for under-16s?

No. The South African government has ruled out a blanket social media ban for children under 16 for now.

The government’s concern is whether restrictions would actually prevent children from finding ways to continue using these platforms.

And yes, some children probably would find a way around the rules. But that doesn’t mean boundaries have no value.

Rules matter because they set a standard.

Change happens when parents, schools, businesses and government are willing to draw a line and stand behind it. When it comes to children and social media, we believe that line needs to be stronger.

What is Australia doing differently?

Australia has taken a much stricter approach.

Since 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms have been required to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts.

Platforms covered include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit and others.  Importantly, Australia describes the change as a delay rather than a permanent ban.

Children under 16 can still access many online services and publicly available content, but age-restricted social media platforms have greater responsibility for keeping underage users off accounts.  The message is essentially:

Not never. Just not yet.

Why does this matter to South African parents?

For many parents, the first smartphone conversation doesn’t start because their child is asking for Instagram or TikTok.

It starts because:

“I need to reach them after school.”

“They’re going to sport without me.”

“They’re starting to have playdates.”

“I want them to call me if plans change.”

Those are completely reasonable needs.

But giving your child a way to contact you and giving them a smartphone are not the same thing. A smartphone can also open the door to social media, group chats, games, strangers, endless content and the open internet.

For a child aged 5 to 12, that can be a lot to manage.

Does your child need a smartphone to stay connected?

No. Parents often feel like there are only two options:

Give them a smartphone.

Or:

Have no way to reach them.

But there is a middle ground. Children can have the communication and safety tools they need without automatically getting access to everything else that comes with a smartphone.

Need a way to stay connected without giving them a smartphone?

DISCOVER THE FUNKYFING JR 2

A smartphone alternative for kids aged 5–12

The Funkyfing Jr 2 is a kids’ GPS smartwatch designed specifically for children aged 5 to 12. It gives children a way to stay connected to their parents through features such as:

• voice and video calling;
• messaging;
• GPS location tracking;
• Safe Zones;
• SOS; and
• parent-approved contacts.

Parents control the watch through the Funkyfing app on their own phone and decide who is allowed to contact their child. Unknown callers are blocked.

And importantly, there is:

So children get the connection they need without immediately stepping into the wider smartphone world.

Parents can still say “not yet”

South Africa may not be introducing a social media ban for under-16s right now. But parents can still decide what is right for their own children. You can say:

Not yet to social media.

Not yet to the smartphone.

Not yet to the open internet.

That doesn’t mean keeping children away from technology forever. It means introducing technology in stages, when they are ready for it. Because knowing how to use a device and being ready for everything that comes with it are two very different things.

Connection first. Smartphone later.

At Funkyfing, we’re not against technology. We believe technology should give children the benefits they need without rushing them into the parts they don’t.

For children aged 5 to 12, staying connected to Mom or Dad shouldn’t automatically mean carrying the whole internet in their pocket.

Give them the connection they need, without the smartphone you’re not ready to give them.

DISCOVER THE FUNKYFING JR 2

Free delivery across South Africa • Personalised gift wrapping • 12-month manufacturing warranty • 30-day guarantee

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is South Africa banning social media for children under 16?

No. As of September 2026, the South African government has said it does not plan to introduce a blanket social media ban for under-16s.

2. Why isn’t South Africa introducing an under-16 social media ban?

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said there is currently no irrefutable indication that a general ban would actually stop people under 16 from being active on social media platforms.

3. Does Australia restrict social media for under-16s?

Yes. Since 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms must take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from creating or keeping accounts.

4. What can parents use instead of a smartphone for younger children?

Parents can consider a kids’ GPS smartwatch that provides calling, messaging, GPS and safety features without giving a child open internet or social media access.

5. What age is the Funkyfing Jr 2 designed for?

The Funkyfing Jr 2 is designed for children aged 5 to 12.

6. Does the Funkyfing Jr 2 have social media or internet access?

No. The Funkyfing Jr 2 has no social media, games, AI or open internet access.